Matsui on radar, Red Sox keep eye on Iannetta; Jimenez is fine

HOUSTON — When contenders have weak spots, they naturally pop up in roster talk. Spoke to a major league source tonight who said that the Rockies would have interest in second baseman Kazuo Matsui when he clears waivers. Matsui struggled mightily with the Astros this season, losing his starting job before getting jettisioned Wednesday night.

The Rockies have a history of taking chances on no-risk, high-reward veterans. They did as much with Matsui in 2006, and he was a critical component in their 2007 World Series run. But those around the Astros said his bat has really slowed down. If the Rockies put him in Triple-A for depth just to get a look, that would make some sense.

Fox Sports reported Thursday night that the Mets have also contacted the Rockies about second baseman Luis Castillo. The Rockies will be connected to second base rumors as long as Clint Barmes continues to struggle offensively.

Rockies’ GM Dan O’Dowd would only say that, “We will be visiting everything that might help us get better.”

According to a National League source, the Red Sox are tracking the progress of catcher Chris Iannetta in Triple-A Colorado Springs in case the Rockies make him available.

Also. …
–Ubaldo Jimenez was suffering through cramps in his left hamstring and right hip. He became dehydrated because of the heat. He said he will be fine for his next start, though he will not be doing his normal day-after run in humid Kansas City on Friday.
–Another name to keep an eye on. Nick Green looks like the odd man out in Los Angeles when Rafael Furcal comes back. Might not be a fit, but with the Rockies keeping their eyes and ears open, it’s a name to file away

The Monforts are always cheap. Why, oh why don't they just ante up and start spending money before this small window of opportunity closes. They probably have about 2-3 more years to win a World Series, then things start falling apart. Once Helton is gone, all the leadership goes out the window. Tulo is not a leader, he's a primma donna. The Rockies should have a $100 Million – $120 Million payroll. Then they could possibly compete with the big dogs. This paying on the cheap will never get it done.

jimbo

Even if Matsui's bat has slowed down, he can't possibly be as ineffective at the plate as Barmes has been. What exactly does Clint Barmes do to stay in the lineup? yeah yeah, his “Gold Glove defense.” Fine. But his complete suck at the plate costs the Rockies far more runs than his occasional sweet defensive play saves them. Many players dream of being a .300 career hitter, but Barmes lies awake hoping to someday have a .300 career on base percentage. Pathetic.The Rockies should give Kaz a try. If he's got something left in the tank, then great. If not, no biggie: EY should be handed the 2B job when he gets off the DL… he's done far more this season to prove he deserves it than Barmes has.

All offseason Orlando Hudson sat there for the 2nd straight year without any takers. Last year the Dodgers swooped in and got him on the cheap-division title. This year the Twins did the same-same result? Seems like a player that fits in just fine on good teams looking to make a leap to something bigger. Dan Uggla was to be had this offseason. Troy Renck himself viewed Uggla as the same type of player as Barmes. Really. Uggla has never put up the .220 and has always put up power numbers. Defense has historically been worse than Barmes but this year? Bottom line is the Rockies could have made moves to make 2B better and used Barmes in a super utility role @ 2B/3B/SS. They chose not too and it was a mistake.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.